Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) is a federal program, which provides limited funds to states including Ohio. These funds are avilable to munipalities as grants to be used to improve the ability of elementary and middle school students to walk and bicycle to school safely.
ODOT requires that a designated official be authorized to submit said applications and execute agreements for approved projects. Additionally, ODOT requires that the City of Columbus act as the Local Public Agency (LPA) to manage the project. This is a reimbursement program, meaning that if funds are awarded the LPA must agree to pay One Hundred Percent (100%) of the construction cost over and above the maximum amount provided by ODOT in order to actually receive the funding.
With City Council authorization , the Department of Public Service intends to apply for a SRTS grant to construct sidewalk at specific locations in Franklinton. In order to be eligible for these funds, the requested sidewalk project must be covered by a School Travel Plan approved by ODOT. A School Travel Plan for Avondale Elementary, Dana Elementary and Sullivant Elementary schools was developed, and approved by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in 2008, as part of the Franklinton Community Mobility Plan (FCMP).
The proposed sidewalk project that these funds will be used to construct is along the south side of Rich Street from Central Avenue to Yale Avenue. Design will be accomplished via a general engineering services design contract. If the grant is awarded to the City, construction is expected to occur in 2009. No right-of-way acquisition or utility relocation is anticipated.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to prepare and execute applications and any consequential project agreements for approved projects. The legislation will also enable the City of Columbus to act as the LPA for the designated SRTS project.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
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